RIGHT-HAND SPLAYING OF THE RIGHT-HAND DOOR
The two central figures have been decapitated.
The six statues in the splaying on the right (photo above) represent: the aged Simeon holding Christ in his arms; John the Baptist, Isaiah, Moses with the brazen serpent and the tables of the Law; Abraham about to sacrifice Isaac; Samuel carrying a lamb (which has been broken). They differ by their more archaic style from the other sculptures of the lower façade, and closely resemble those of the central door of the north transept of the Cathedral of Chartres. Like the latter, they date without doubt from the beginning of the 13th century. Possibly they belonged to an earlier doorway, or were prepared in advance for a purpose not realised, being finally utilised in the place where they now stand.
The Last Judgment, in the gable, was severely damaged by shell splinters.
The Left-Hand Door
This door, on account of the scaffolding which surrounded it, was seriously damaged by the fires of September, 1914 (see p. [17]).
On the lintel is Saint Paul, thrown from his horse at the gates of Damascus. On the outside of the jambs, fourteen seated figures meditating, are supposed by some to be embodiments of the arts and sciences, but represent more probably prophets or teachers. Along the splayings are eleven statues, which have not definitely been identified.
In the left-hand splaying is Saint Nicaise between two angels. The right-hand angel, generally known as the "Smile of Rheims," was decapitated on September 19, 1914. Fortunately, the fragments of the head of this fine statue were saved.
The sculptures in the archings depict scenes from the Passion, while the group which adorns the gable represents The Crucifixion.
These archings and gable were greatly damaged by the fires of September 19, 1914, and the bombardments.